The traffic shift that accompanies the “Big Squeeze” in Southern Indiana is scheduled to begin Wednesday night. Southbound traffic on I-65 will shift first, resulting in a split configuration for drivers.

The “Big Squeeze” reduced I-65 in both directions, from three through lanes of traffic to two, from the Kennedy Bridge to Brown’s Station Way.

Crews will be shifting the two lanes of I-65 South to the right, creating a right and left channel for drivers. The two lanes of I-65 South will join again near Court Avenue, with access available to Exit O in Jeffersonville.

Drivers wanting to exit should use the right lane at the split. The interstate is divided for more than half a mile.

Southbound lanes on the Kennedy Bridge are not affected by the “Big Squeeze” lane restrictions, with all lanes open to traffic.

I-65 North traffic is expected to move to its new position next week, occupying two lanes of the former I-65 South. Crews with Walsh Construction will install a barrier wall along I-65 South this week to prepare for the shift of northbound traffic.

The new traffic configuration is expected to be in place for more than a year as new northbound lanes of I-65 are constructed to connect with the new Ohio River bridge under construction.

The “Big Squeeze” started in early September in Southern Indiana with a nearly 1 ½-mile stretch of I-65 in both directions, reduced from three to two lanes of traffic.

Lane restrictions will remain in place along this section of I-65 until late 2016, when the project nears completion.

Northbound lanes of traffic on the Kennedy Bridge have been reduced from three through lanes of traffic and an exit lane to two through lanes and an exit lane.

Drivers have adapted well to the “Big Squeeze” with traffic delays and congestion limited to peak travel times in the morning and afternoon.

Additional delays are possible the first few days of the shift as drivers adjust to a new traffic pattern. The traffic shift will not result in any additional lane closures and drivers will be able to access all exits.

Direct access from I-65 North to Stansifer Avenue or Brown’s Station Way will be maintained throughout the project. Signage will be in place.

A new ramp from I-65 North to 10th Street is expected to open soon. When the ramp opens to traffic, there will be an earlier decision point for drivers planning to exit to 10th Street. Northbound drivers who want to exit at Court Avenue or 10th Street will need to be in the far-right lane of the Kennedy Bridge. Signage will be in place.